The Value of Design: Why I Offer My Skills for Free
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Chapter 1: Introduction to My Approach
In this discussion, I aim to clarify why I choose not to charge for certain UX projects. Before anyone jumps to conclusions about my title being misleading, let me clarify that I do receive payment for most of my work. However, the decision to pay is entirely up to my clients.
I typically do not set a fee upfront, nor do I charge a standard rate. Instead, I complete the work with no expectations of compensation. Sometimes, I may not receive payment at all—it’s a bit of a gamble.
So, why do I take this approach? Am I out of my mind? Perhaps a little. To be clear, I’m not wealthy enough to disregard money. I need it. Despite this, I deliberately stray from the pricing strategies frequently recommended by platforms like The Futur, High Resolution, and other design education channels that aim to help designers price their work effectively.
Why do I pursue this method? What advantages does it offer me as a design professional, and how does it contribute to my personal development?
First, let me state that this approach isn’t suitable for everyone. If you’re a freelancer or run a design business reliant on client payments, the insights shared here may not apply to you.
Section 1.1: My Early Career
When I began my freelance journey, establishing a pricing model that ensured I was compensated fairly was one of my top priorities. A friend with a business background taught me the importance of recognizing my value and how to persuade clients to pay accordingly.
On average, I charged around 20% above market rates, and because I took on three times the number of projects compared to a typical freelancer, my monthly earnings often exceeded those of a typical junior designer.
Initially, my focus was solely on financial gain. I accepted every project that came my way, delivering quality aligned with what clients were willing to pay, and steadily increasing my rates as my portfolio grew.
However, about a year and a half into my freelance career, I had an epiphany. Upon reviewing my work, I realized I had been producing subpar designs—overpriced and lacking substance. I was essentially exploiting desperate business owners for short-term profit. While it was a way to make a living, I recognized it wasn’t sustainable in the long run.
I needed to find purpose in my work, leading me to partner with non-profits and shift my focus towards creating a positive impact.
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This transition taught me that making an impact doesn't always equate to positive outcomes; it simply needs to exist to add meaning to my work. Consequently, I decided to restart my career as an individual contributor rather than a freelancer.
Section 1.2: The Decision to Work for Free
Fast forward to 2023, and I’ve been an individual contributor for over six years, achieving significant milestones that have made me a sought-after professional. Occasionally, former colleagues or entrepreneurs reach out expressing interest in collaborating with me.
For those outside the freelance world, “collaborating” often translates to “Please work for free or at a reduced rate.” My willingness to consider such requests hinges on my relationship with the person involved. Here are a few reasons I agree to these projects:
- Portfolio Enhancement: The design landscape is becoming increasingly competitive, and relying solely on my day job to fill my portfolio would take years. Engaging in side projects ensures I consistently have relevant work to showcase.
- Skill Diversification: Often, my primary job doesn’t offer the breadth of experience I crave. Working on diverse side projects allows me to explore different contexts and stay current in the industry. For instance, if my main experience is in fintech, taking on non-finance projects prevents me from being pigeonholed.
- Networking Opportunities: While it may seem superficial, offering discounted work is a practical way to maintain and grow my professional network. I genuinely want to help others, and in return, I hope they will support me when I need it.
- Skill Bartering: I often propose to work for free in exchange for learning new skills. This has been invaluable in acquiring knowledge in areas like coding, product management, and more. Compensation doesn’t always have to be financial.
Ultimately, my mindset shifted towards valuing the difference I can make with my work over the monetary rewards. Many designers find themselves stuck in a cycle where they can only execute tasks without understanding the broader impact of their work.
This cycle perpetuates a lack of awareness of their worth, weakening their negotiation power and trapping them in a continuous struggle for better compensation.
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Section 1.3: Insights from My Experience
I've often been questioned about my ability to gauge market trends, particularly in light of popular discussions like "UX is dead, long live Product Design." My side projects provide the most immediate feedback regarding expectations from clients and the value they place on design.
The harsh reality is that while designers are often expected to deliver exceptional results, they are seldom compensated fairly. This leads me to an important realization: design relies on borrowed influence and will always need a host—currently, that host is the tech industry.
Moreover, I frequently confront the reality of my own skills compared to more active practitioners. It’s humbling to recognize that my skillset lags behind that of top freelancers and even junior designers.
Section 1.4: The Downsides of Hustling
Despite the benefits, working for little to no pay can be detrimental. My loved ones often express concern over the time I invest in these projects, and I sometimes neglect my health in the process.
While hustling can yield technical and financial advantages, many of my friends who choose not to hustle are thriving just as well. The key question is: what do you hope to achieve through your efforts?
In my case, the primary benefit of hustling has been the learning experience. Financially, there are more lucrative opportunities that require less effort, like investing.
While hustling has its perks, it also poses risks to mental health. Burnout is a real concern, and I’ve taken career breaks to recover.
Closing Thoughts
There are various strategies for professional growth, and this method has been particularly effective for me at junior and mid-level stages. Now, as a senior professional, I only take on side projects occasionally. Reflecting on my journey, I see that hustling can be as beneficial as obtaining technical certifications.
However, I can’t assure that this approach will yield the same results for everyone. I advise caution when emulating the paths of those you admire; what worked for me may not work for you.
If given the chance to start over, I would still embrace free hustling as a junior, but it's essential to find what resonates with your personal career goals.
Work diligently and hustle wisely!
